knit.wear Spring/Summer 2018: Caspian Top
For interesting cable knitting in a lightweight summer top, look no further than the Caspian Top, designed by Irina Anikeeva. The top begins with a tubular cast-on and is worked in the round from the bottom up. It’s worked in one piece to the underarms, and then the upper front and back are worked separately back and forth. Part of the striking cable pattern on the front is worked in garter stitch, which complements the horizontal rib stripes on the sides and back of this loose- fitting T-shirt.
There is no body shaping in this pattern, which not only gives you less to think about as you knit, but also creates the relaxed look and loose fit of the garment. There is some light shoulder shaping, so you still get a clean and professionally finished look—and a thoughtful silhouette. The garter stitch and cables balance each other out so part of the time you can work by muscle memory and the other part you can kick into high-concentration mode, with rewarding results.
This issue of knit.wear is all about sustainably sourced yarns, and the yarn for the Caspian Top is a prominent player in that domain. The yarn featured is a 100% USA–grown and spun cotton yarn, made with California Cleaner Cotton™. It was intentionally brought into the market as responsibly sourced cotton fiber, which is a process that presents many challenges.
Additionally, the colorways are created with all-natural materials, making the process sustainable and eco-friendly from start to finish. Read more about the process and sustainability of this special yarn here.
Pattern Details
DESIGNER Irina Anikeeva
DIFFICULTY Intermediate
FINISHED SIZE 35¼ (41, 44, 46¾, 52¾, 55½)” bust circumference. Top shown measures 41″; modeled with 5″ of positive ease.
YARN Quince & Co. Willet (100% cotton; 160 yd [146 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #703 leeward, 6 (7, 7, 8, 9, 10) skeins.
NEEDLES Size 3 (3.25 mm): 16″ and 32″ circular (cir). Size 4 (3.5 mm): 32″ cir. Adjust needle size if necessary size to obtain the correct gauge.
NOTIONS Markers (m); waste yarn; cable needle (cn); stitch holder; tapestry needle.
GAUGE 22 sts and 32 rnds = 4″ in garter ridge patt on larger needle; 64-st Cable chart = 10½” wide.
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